Bapi

This comes late but its better late than never. January 13th was my beloved father's 81st birthday.

Darling Bapi:

My father. Oh! I get all teary eyed when I think of you and your strong influence on my life. You have been and still is my anchor, my rock, my friend , confidante and a perfect father to me.

You are a successful urologist no doubt but you were and still are more recognized for your accomplishments in the world of sports. You are a 'rare gem', one of the few iconic and prolific footballers of your time. You made your home team a force to reckon with, a team that won numerous accolades and laurels and put the tiny backward state of Assam on the map.

Your triumphs and passion for any sport, not just soccer was a huge inspiration for me as I forayed into this familiar world of competitiveness and gamesmanship. I had a lot of success and many people to thank for but you were my constant support. I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifices you made and for always reminding me to be true to the spirit of the game.

I know you were the saddest when I called it quits, a decision that wasn't easy for me at all. But you knew and understood that I made it after much deliberation and that it was time for me to move on to something else.

You accompanied me as I left the safe, cocooned surroundings of home and stepped into the wide world, comforted my trepidations and fears away with your wise words. Your limitless faith and trust in me helped me overcome some of life's harsher realities and I knew no matter where I go and what becomes of me, you will always be there - behind me, rooting for me. You are my beacon, the lighthouse on a bleak, stormy night.

I love you Bapi more than love itself. You make me want to be a better person, a better parent, a role model, someone who inspires just like you do, someone who is strong yet kind, generous yet practical, compassionate yet honest and I hope you are proud of me as much as I am of you.

Happy Birthday to you - my father and my 'bestest' friend.

Your one and only daughter.